News online
Transport workers to mark International Women’s Day
5 March 2008
Transport workers around the world will be marking International Women’s Day - now in its hundredth year - on Saturday 8 March to lobby for women’s rights and to increase their participation in the union movement.
This year activities by ITF-affiliated unions include: a seminar and workshop on women transport workers’ rights for trade unionists and the media in Argentina, organised by the Centro de Capitanes de Ultramar y Oficiales de la Marina Mercante and a meeting to highlight issues affecting women in Cambodia, held by the Trades Unions of Sihanouk Ville Port.
In addition, the General Trade Union of Workers in Air Transport and Tourism in Jordan plans to distribute brochures and leaflets about women in the union, while its women’s committee has arranged a seminar on the importance of women’s participation.
The Kenyan Dockworkers’ Union has noted an unprecedented increase in the number of violations against women during the political turbulence that followed the elections in Kenya. In an effort to address these problems, the union is holding workshops and counselling sessions for affected women.
ITF Women’s Officer Sarah Finke commented: “Apart from facing the same problems as their male colleagues, women in transport also deal with other issues, including unequal pay, discrimination and harassment. That’s why the ITF wants to see more women participate in union activities – that way, they can be empowered to work for better rights and equality with their male colleagues.”
As part of International Women’s Day, the ITF is launching a guide to encourage transport unions to work closely with women workers in the sector, “Women on the road to a safe and healthy working environment,” which can be downloaded at: http://www.itfglobal.org/road-transport/road-transport-1058.cfm
The ITF’s activities are part of a two-year International Trade Union Confederation global women’s campaign. More information: http://www.ituc-csi.org/IMG/pdf/AffWomenCampaingEN.pdf ITUC campaign guide.
To obtain your campaign materials visit: http://www.itfglobal.org/campaigns/IWD-2008.cfm
Back to current news online stories
view larger image
